Tiger Woods receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Carol Ozemhoya | OW Contributor |
5/7/2019, 9:47 a.m.

Golfer Tiger Woods once ruled the fairways around the world, drawing thousands, perhaps millions, to courses and TV coverage that normally would have never got into the game. Then scandal struck with Woods being accuse of infidelity, and then it got worse. His back literally gave out. At one point, things were so bad that the multi-time champion of every major course out there couldn’t even get out of bed.

But Woods was determined to be a champion again. So he battled back with surgeries and an attitude that he could indeed wear that coveted green jacket (the trophy from the Masters) again. And so in early April, Woods enthralled the world with an awe-inspiring and spectacular win on the groomed greens of Augusta. The crowds at the Georgia landmark course were on their feet, as an emotional Woods rumbled off the course to embrace his kids and his mother. It was a scene that inspired even a president who has not regularly welcomes America’s Black professional athletes.

On May 6, President Donald Trump presented Woods with one of America’s most prestigious honors – the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony at the White House. He praised Woods for his many accomplishments and especially for his amazing comeback from debilitating physical adversity.

“Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive,” Trump said. “These qualities embody the American spirit of pushing boundaries, defying limits and always striving for greatness.”